Market Roundup: Good Economic News Led to Strong Week for Large-Cap Stocks

Indices closed well into the green zone on Monday that pushed the NASDAQ up to a new record level. Stocks likely advanced in the wake of stronger-than-expected payroll additions for May. Indices closed with mixed moves on Tuesday, with the Dow shedding some points and both the the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining. Services industry activity increased in May, according to the ISM Nonmanufacturing Index, which climbed to 58.6 from 56.8 in April beating expectations of 58.3. The major indices all closed up Wednesday as Dow stocks led the way while the NASDAQ hit a new record level for the third straight session. In economic news, the U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $46.2 billion in April. The goods deficit dipped to $68.3 billion. Nominal goods exports ticked up 0.2% and imports slipped 0.3%. Markets were mixed on Thursday with Dow ending the session in the green zone. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ shed some points. Energy stocks led advancers while Technology stocks took a breather. On another note, Department of Labor data showed first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits dipped by 1,000 from the prior week’s revised level to 222,000. Indices closed trading with slight gains on Friday. West Texas Intermediate crude shed 0.47% on the day to settle at $65.66 a barrel.